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2013 BMW 1-Series Styling

The 2013 BMW 1-Series isn't particularly daring or trend-setting, but it continues to wear its compact sporty styling very well. As the smallest model in BMW's current lineup, it got a mild update in 2010 to keep it in pace with the details as several of the brand's larger models were redesigned; otherwise it's a remarkably attractive, almost ageless design.

With a long hood and short deck like the slightly larger 3-Series, the smallest of the American BMWs fits right into the lineup--and the 1-Series' rather low beltline and large window greenhouse that stood out at the time of its original launch now fits right in. It's perhaps a little too stubby and compact to be truly elegant, though some may find the pug-like look (from the front) endearing.

The 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models have aged well, and still fit right in with the BMW lineup from the outside.

The coupe looks a bit more balanced than the convertible, which looks best with the top down; the soft top fits well, but it just doesn't flow entirely well with the otherwise tight proportions and contours.

The look of the limited-volume ActiveE electric version is largely the same as the gasoline burning models, though a slightly more aerodynamic front end, wheel design, and unique ActiveE graphics package mark it out as the electron-sipper.

There's more of a likeness to the 3-Series--or at least the previous generation of the 3-Series--inside, where soft-touch plastic and rubber, metallic trim accents, available leather seating, and a generally purposeful, if somewhat plain, motif serves to fit the dual purpose between luxury coupe and sports car quite well.